Rapid response: Dubai Police rescues female driver after cruise control malfunction on Sheikh Zayed Road

Dubai Police traffic patrols quickly rescued a female driver whose cruise control unexpectedly malfunctioned while she was on Sheikh Zayed Road. This swift and professional response occurred just minutes after they received the report, effectively preventing a potential traffic accident for her and other road users.

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, stated that the operations room received a report about a vehicle traveling at a constant speed on Sheikh Zayed Road towards Abu Dhabi, with the female driver unable to regain control due to the cruise control malfunction.

He explained that traffic patrols were immediately dispatched to the location and spotted the vehicle traveling in the fourth lane. "They coordinated a careful escort while guiding the female driver through phone calls and direct instructions, informing her of the necessary steps to ensure her safety and that of others," Al Mazrouei added.

Al Mazrouei also mentioned that one patrol positioned itself in front of the vehicle to gradually stop it, while other patrols secured the lane behind. They created a safe corridor in front of and behind the vehicle, keeping other cars at a distance to prevent potential collisions. This allowed the driver to stop safely on the side of the road without any injuries or damage.

The Director of the General Department of Traffic emphasized that the swift response and effective coordination between the operations room and field patrols were vital for managing the situation successfully. He praised the traffic teams for their professional and compassionate handling of emergencies, demonstrating Dubai Police's commitment to rapid response and road safety. He also urged all drivers to perform regular vehicle checks and ensure the safety of critical systems, such as brakes and cruise control, stressing that awareness and preventive measures are essential to avoid dangerous malfunctions.

Al Mazrouei emphasized the importance of remaining calm and avoiding panic in the event of a cruise control malfunction. He urged drivers to ensure their seatbelt is fastened, turn on their hazard lights and headlights, and promptly contact the emergency number (999) at the Command and Control Centre to report the situation.

He further advised motorists to shift the transmission to neutral (N), turn off the engine, and restart it immediately. If this does not resolve the issue, drivers should apply firm, constant pressure on the brakes until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. If necessary, they should gradually release the handbrake while maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel. If these methods do not work, drivers can alternate shifting the transmission between neutral (N) and drive (D) to regain control. If any of these methods succeed before the traffic patrol arrives, the driver should safely maneuver the vehicle off the road.

Al Mazrouei underscored that the safety of drivers and road users begins with awareness and a clear understanding of how to respond to emergencies. He stressed that making the right decision at a critical moment can significantly reduce serious risks.